Absorbent bed clothing

ABSTRACT

An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for covering a mattress. A first layer may include a bed sheet. A second layer includes an absorbent pad disposed adjacent to the bed sheet. A third layer may include a blanket disposed adjacent to the absorbent pad and coupled to the bed sheet.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 61/845,870 entitled “ABSORBENT BED CLOTHING” and filedon Jul. 12, 2013 for Heather Phillips, which is incorporated herein byreference.

FIELD

The present disclosure, in various embodiments, relates generally to bedclothing, and more particularly relates to absorbent bed clothingincluding multiple layers.

BACKGROUND

Bed clothing, such as sheets, blankets, mattress pads, and the like, mayprovide a sleeper with hygienic conditions and warmth, while protectinga mattress from wear. Some sleepers may experience discomfort frommoisture in bed due to urinary incontinence, excessive perspiration, orthe like. Often, an absorbent article of bed clothing is used to carrymoisture away from a sleeper or to protect the mattress. For example, achild who is not yet toilet trained may sleep with bed clothing thatincludes an absorbent mattress protector. Regular cleaning of soiled ormoist bed clothing provides continued comfort and hygiene. However,regular cleaning may become more inconvenient when using an absorbentarticle of bed clothing such as a mattress protector, due to theincreased amount of work required to remove, clean, and replace eacharticle on the bed.

SUMMARY

An apparatus is presented for covering a mattress. In one embodiment, afirst layer includes a bed sheet. In a certain embodiment, a secondlayer includes an absorbent pad disposed adjacent to the bed sheet. In afurther embodiment, a third layer includes a blanket disposed adjacentto the absorbent pad and coupled to the bed sheet.

In one embodiment, the absorbent pad may include a moisture barrier. Ina certain embodiment, a pillow case may be sized to receive a pillow. Ina further embodiment, the pillow case may be integrated with the bedsheet and/or the blanket. In some embodiments, a pillow may be removablydisposed within the pillow case.

In one embodiment, hook and loop fastener material for retaining thepillow within the pillow case, may be disposed along an opening for thepillow case. In another embodiment, a zipper for retaining the pillowwithin the pillow case may be disposed along an opening for the pillowcase. In a certain embodiment, two overlapping layers of fabric forretaining the pillow within the pillow case may be disposed along anopening for the pillow case.

In one embodiment, the opening for the pillow case may be positioned sothat using the bed sheet, the absorbent pad, and the blanket to cover amattress disposes the opening at an edge of the mattress. In anotherembodiment, the opening for the pillow case may be positioned so thatusing the bed sheet, the absorbent pad, and the blanket to cover amattress disposes the opening at a side surface of the mattress. In acertain embodiment, a length of the opening for the pillow case may beless than an interior dimension of the pillow case in a directionparallel to the opening.

In one embodiment, the bed sheet may include a fitted sheet. In acertain embodiment, the absorbent pad may be coupled to the bed sheetand the blanket. In another embodiment, the absorbent pad may beremovably disposed between the bed sheet and the blanket. In someembodiments, a thickness of the absorbent pad may be within a range fromapproximately two centimeters to approximately six centimeters

A system is presented for covering a mattress. In one embodiment, afirst layer includes a bed sheet. In a certain embodiment, a secondlayer includes an absorbent pad disposed adjacent to the bed sheet. In afurther embodiment, a third layer includes a blanket disposed adjacentto the absorbent pad and coupled to the bed sheet and the absorbent pad.In some embodiments, a pillow case may be sized to receive a pillow. Infurther embodiments, the pillow case may be formed by sewing fabric tothe bed sheet. In certain embodiments, a zipper for retaining the pillowwithin the pillow case may be disposed along an opening for the pillowcase.

In one embodiment, the absorbent pad may include a moisture barrier. Ina certain embodiment, a length of the opening for the pillow case may beless than an interior dimension of the pillow case in a directionparallel to the opening. In some embodiments, a thickness of theabsorbent pad may be within a range from approximately two centimetersto approximately six centimeters.

A method is presented for covering a mattress. In one embodiment, themethod includes providing a first layer that includes a bed sheet. In acertain embodiment, the method includes providing a second layer thatincludes an absorbent pad disposed adjacent to the bed sheet. In afurther embodiment, the method includes providing a third layer thatincludes a blanket disposed adjacent to the absorbent pad and coupled tothe bed sheet. In some embodiments, the method includes disposing thebed sheet, the absorbent pad, and the blanket on a mattress so that theblanket is above the bed sheet. In certain embodiments, the methodincludes reversing the bed sheet, the absorbent pad, and the blanket onthe mattress so that the bed sheet is above the blanket.

In one embodiment, the method includes disposing a pillow within apillow case integrated with the bed sheet. In a further embodiment, themethod includes removing the pillow from the pillow case.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that the advantages of the invention will be readilyunderstood, a more particular description of the invention brieflydescribed above will be rendered by reference to specific embodimentsthat are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that thesedrawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are nottherefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the inventionwill be described and explained with additional specificity and detailthrough the use of the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a cross section view illustrating one embodiment of anapparatus for covering a mattress;

FIG. 2 is a top view illustrating another embodiment of an apparatus forcovering a mattress; and

FIG. 3 is a schematic flow chart diagram illustrating one embodiment ofa method for covering a mattress.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “anembodiment,” or similar language means that a particular feature,structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodimentis included in at least one embodiment. Thus, appearances of the phrases“in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” and similar language throughoutthis specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the sameembodiment, but mean “one or more but not all embodiments” unlessexpressly specified otherwise. The terms “including,” “comprising,”“having,” and variations thereof mean “including but not limited to”unless expressly specified otherwise. An enumerated listing of itemsdoes not imply that any or all of the items are mutually exclusiveand/or mutually inclusive, unless expressly specified otherwise. Theterms “a,” “an,” and “the” also refer to “one or more” unless expresslyspecified otherwise.

Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics ofthe invention may be combined in any suitable manner in one or moreembodiments. In the following description, numerous specific details areincluded to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of theinvention. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, thatthe invention may be practiced without one or more of the specificdetails, or with other methods, components, materials, and so forth. Inother instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are notshown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of theinvention.

The schematic flow chart diagrams included herein are generally setforth as logical flow chart diagrams. As such, the depicted order andlabeled steps are indicative of one embodiment of the presented method.Other steps and methods may be conceived that are equivalent infunction, logic, or effect to one or more steps, or portions thereof, ofthe illustrated method. Additionally, the format and symbols employedare provided to explain the logical steps of the method and areunderstood not to limit the scope of the method. Although various arrowtypes and line types may be employed in the flow chart diagrams, theyare understood not to limit the scope of the corresponding method.Indeed, some arrows or other connectors may be used to indicate only thelogical flow of the method. For instance, an arrow may indicate awaiting or monitoring period of unspecified duration between enumeratedsteps of the depicted method. Additionally, the order in which aparticular method occurs may or may not strictly adhere to the order ofthe corresponding steps shown.

FIG. 1 depicts one embodiment of an apparatus 100 for covering amattress. In general, the apparatus 100 may be used as bed clothing tocover a mattress with multiple layers, including a layer of absorbentmaterial. Bed clothing including multiple layers may provide theadvantages of several separate articles of bed clothing while avoidingthe inconvenience of removing, cleaning, and replacing multiple articlesof bed clothing. In the depicted embodiment, the apparatus 100 includesa first layer 102, a second layer 104, and a third layer 106.

In one embodiment, the first layer 102 may include a bed sheet. Incertain embodiments, the bed sheet of the first layer 102 may be a pieceof cloth sized to cover a mattress. For example, in one embodiment, theapparatus 100 may be used as infant bedding, and the bed sheet may besized to cover a crib mattress. In another embodiment, the apparatus 100may be used as bedding for an incontinent adult, and the bed sheet maybe sized to cover a queen size mattress. In various embodiments, the bedsheet may be sized to fit various sizes of mattresses.

In a certain embodiment, the bed sheet may be a flat sheet. The edges ofa flat sheet may lie on top of a mattress or may be secured by tuckingthem underneath the mattress. Using a flat sheet for the first layer 102of the apparatus 100 allows the apparatus 100 to cover a variety ofmattress sizes by tucking more or less material under the mattress. Inanother embodiment, the bed sheet may be a fitted sheet. A fitted sheetmay have dimensions selected to fit a particular bed size, and mayinclude elastic, a drawstring, or the like at the corners and/or edgesof the sheet, for securing the sheet to a mattress. Using a fitted sheetfor the first layer 102 of the apparatus 100 allows the apparatus 100 tobe secured to a mattress conveniently, and prevents the apparatus 100from slipping when the mattress is in use. If the apparatus 100 is usedas bedding for an infant or small child, securing the edges of the bedsheet may provide safety by preventing the apparatus 100 from coveringthe child, whether the first layer 102 includes a fitted sheet or a flatsheet with edges tucked under the mattress.

In some embodiments, the bed sheet of the first layer 102 may be wovenon a wide loom to avoid seams. In another embodiment the bed sheet mayinclude multiple pieces of fabric sewn together. In one embodiment, thebed sheet may be flat-woven, or woven without a pile. In variousembodiments, the edges of the bed sheet may include side seams and/orselvages. In one embodiment, the bed sheet may comprise cotton fabric.For example, in a certain embodiment, the bed sheet may be a cotton bedsheet distributed under the CIRCO trademark. Bed sheets made of cottonor similar materials allow moisture to pass through the first layer 102to the second layer 104. In various embodiments, the bed sheet maycomprise various fabrics, such as cotton, polyester, cotton/polyesterblends, rayon, linen, flannel, flannelette, or the like. In oneembodiment, a thread count for the bed sheet may be between 200 and 600threads per square inch. In certain embodiments, the material of thefabric for the bed sheet, or the fabric's other characteristics such asthread count, staple length, and the like, may be selected based on auser's preferences. Many other materials and characteristics of bedsheets suitable for the first layer 102 of the apparatus 100 will beclear in light of this disclosure.

In one embodiment, the second layer 104 may include an absorbent paddisposed adjacent to the bed sheet of the first layer 102. In general,the absorbent pad may absorb or trap moisture from urine, perspiration,or the like, to increase a sleeper's comfort or to protect the mattress.In one embodiment, the absorbent pad may include fiber batting. Forexample, in a certain embodiment, the absorbent pad may include 75%polyester, 25% rayon fiber batting with an olefin interlining, asdistributed by the Triboro Quilt Mfg. Corp. of White Plains, N.Y. Inanother embodiment, the absorbent pad may include one or more othermaterials in addition to, or in place of, the fiber batting, such asrubberized flannel, other woven fabric, sheepskin, or the like. Materialfor the fiber batting, woven fabric, or the like, may include variousfibers such as cotton, polyester, rayon, wool, or other similar fibers.In light of this disclosure, many absorbent materials are clear whichmay be used to form an absorbent pad for the second layer 104 of theapparatus 100.

In general, the thickness of the absorbent pad for the second layer 104may be selected to provide various attributes for the apparatus 100. Forexample, in one embodiment, the second layer 104 may include a thick,soft absorbent pad to provide comfort. In another embodiment, the secondlayer 104 may include a thin absorbent pad, to reduce the bulk of theapparatus 100 for easier handling. In one embodiment, the thickness ofthe absorbent pad may be within a range from approximately 2 cm toapproximately 6 cm. (As used herein, a measurement is “approximately”equal to a stated value if it is within 10% of the stated value). Inanother embodiment, the thickness of the absorbent pad may be less thanapproximately 2 cm. In a certain embodiment, the thickness of theabsorbent pad may be greater than approximately 6 cm.

In one embodiment, the absorbent pad may include a moisture barrier. Ingeneral a moisture barrier for the absorbent pad may prevent moisturefrom a sleeper from reaching and/or damaging the mattress. For example,in one embodiment, an apparatus 100 sized to cover a twin size mattressfor children who are not yet toilet trained may include an absorbent padwith a moisture barrier to protect the mattress from urine.

In one embodiment, the moisture barrier may include a water-repellentcoating, surface treatment, or the like, applied to a portion of theotherwise absorbent material of the absorbent pad. In anotherembodiment, a moisture barrier for the absorbent pad may include awaterproof or water resistant layer, or lining. For example, in certainembodiments the absorbent pad may include a layer of rubber bonded tocotton fabric, an olefin interlining, a urethane laminate, a waterproofbut breathable material, or the like.

In one embodiment, the moisture barrier may be applied to a lowersurface of the absorbent pad, so that an upper portion of the absorbentpad absorbs moisture from a sleeper, and a lower portion preventsmoisture from reaching a mattress. Applying the moisture barrier to alower layer of the absorbent pad allows the full thickness of the upperportion to absorb moisture, but also makes the absorbent padirreversible. Thus, in another embodiment, the moisture barrier may forma middle layer of the absorbent pad, with a layer of absorbent materialon either side forming a reversible pad.

In various embodiments, the reversibility discussed below for theapparatus 100 may be related to, or independent of, the reversibility ofthe absorbent pad. For example, in one embodiment, the absorbent pad maybe a non-removable part of the apparatus 100, and a moisture barrierapplied to a lower surface of the absorbent pad may affect thereversibility of the apparatus 100 by preventing moisture from reachingthe absorbent pad from the third layer 106. However, in anotherembodiment, the absorbent pad may be a removable part of the apparatus100, and the correct orientation of the absorbent pad may be preservedwhen reversing the apparatus 100 by removing, reversing, and replacingthe absorbent pad within the apparatus 100. In another apparatus, areversible absorbent pad with a moisture barrier forming a middle layermay allow the apparatus 100 to be used reversibly, regardless of whetherthe absorbent pad is a removable or non-removable part of the apparatus100.

In another embodiment, the absorbent pad may not include a moisturebarrier or waterproof layer. Omitting a moisture barrier may beeconomical if moisture is prevented from reaching the mattress inanother way. For example, in one embodiment, an apparatus 100 forcovering an infant's crib mattress may not include a moisture barrier,as many crib mattresses are already waterproof or water resistant.

The third layer 106, in one embodiment, may include a blanket disposedadjacent to the absorbent pad and coupled to the bed sheet. In a certainembodiment, the bed sheet, the absorbent pad, and the blanket may besewn together or otherwise attached together as a single unit, so thatthe absorbent pad is non-removably coupled to both the bed sheet and theblanket. In another embodiment, edges of the blanket may be attacheddirectly to the bed sheet, and the absorbent pad may be removablydisposed between the bed sheet and the blanket.

In one embodiment, the bed sheet, the absorbent pad, and the blanket maybe approximately the same size, so that the edges of the blanket arecoupled to the edges of the bed sheet. In another embodiment, theabsorbent pad and the blanket may be approximately the same size as thetop of a mattress, but the bed sheet may be larger to cover the sides ofthe mattress as well. For example, in a further embodiment, the bedsheet may be a fitted sheet, and the absorbent pad and the blanket maybe sewn to the portion of the bed sheet that covers the top of amattress.

In various embodiments, a blanket may refer to a cloth layer thickerthan a bed sheet for providing warmth. Although the blanket for thethird layer 106 is shown in the depicted embodiment as thicker than theabsorbent pad for the second layer 104, the blanket may be the samethickness or thinner than the absorbent pad in a different embodiment.In one embodiment, the blanket may include a napped or piled fabric suchas plush, minky-type plush, fleece, or the like. In another embodiment,the blanket may be knit or flat-woven, and may be thicker than a bedsheet due to including yarns thicker than the threads of a bed sheet. Invarious embodiments, the blanket may include various materials, such aswool, polyester, cotton, or the like. For example, in one embodiment,the blanket may include polyester plush, as distributed by Crown CraftsInfant Product, Inc., of Compton, Calif. In another embodiment, theblanket may include polyester fleece, as distributed by Spring CreativeProducts Group, LLC, of Rock Hill, S.C. In light of this disclosure, itis clear that various other types of blankets are suitable for the thirdlayer 106 of the apparatus 100.

Using a blanket for the third layer 106 allows the apparatus 100 to bereversed to provide different sleeping experiences. For example, in oneembodiment, the apparatus 100 may be used to cover a mattress with thefirst layer 102 on the top, so that laying on top of the bed sheetprovides a cool sleeping experience during summer months, and may bereversed to cover a mattress with the third layer 106 on top, so thatlaying on top of the blanket provides a warmer sleeping experience inwinter months. Also, in a certain embodiment, the apparatus 100 maycover a crib mattress for an infant who is not old enough to safelysleep under a blanket, so having the blanket coupled to the bed sheetmay allow an infant to stay warm while sleeping safely on top of theblanket.

In various embodiments, the first layer 102, second layer 104 and/orthird layer 106 may include allergy relief material. In certainembodiments, allergy relief material may be material capable ofcontaining allergens such as dust mites, mold spores, animal dander,pollen, or the like within the mattress. For example, in one embodiment,allergy relief material may include tightly woven fabric.

FIG. 2 depicts another apparatus 200 for covering a mattress. Theapparatus 200, in certain embodiments, may be substantially similar tothe apparatus 100 described above with regard to FIG. 1. In the depictedembodiment, the apparatus 200 includes a first layer 202, a secondlayer, and a third layer (not visible in the depicted top view), whichmay be substantially as described above with regard to FIG. 1. Theapparatus 200, in the depicted embodiment, further includes a pillowcase 208 with an opening 210.

The pillow case 208, in one embodiment, is sized to receive a pillow. Ina further embodiment, the apparatus 200 may include a pillow removablydisposed within the pillow case 208. In certain embodiments, the pillowcase 208 may be integrated with the bed sheet and/or the blanket. In oneembodiment, the pillow case 208 may be formed by sewing fabric to thebed sheet. For example, in a further embodiment, sewing a rectangularflap of fabric to the bed sheet along three edges may create apocket-shaped pillow case 208 for receiving the pillow between thefabric flap and the bed sheet, while leaving at least a portion of theremaining edge unattached to the bed sheet may create an opening 210 forplacing or removing the pillow. In another embodiment, a different shapeof fabric may bulge outward slightly when sewn to the bed sheet,providing additional space in the pillow case 208 for receiving athicker pillow.

In certain embodiments, the pillow case 208 may also be integrated withthe bed sheet and/or the blanket in various other ways. For example, inanother embodiment, the pillow case 208 may be formed by sewing fabricto the blanket instead of the bed sheet. In yet another embodiment, thepillow case 208 may be a commercially available pillow case attached tothe bed sheet and/or the blanket. In a certain embodiment, the pillowcase 208 may be formed between layers of the apparatus 200 by sewing thelayers together along the edges of the pillow case 208 except at thelocation of the opening 210. Although the pillow case 208, in thedepicted embodiment, is depicted in use with the first layer 202, secondlayer and third layer, the integrated pillow case 208 may, in variousembodiments, be formed without the layered structure. For example, incertain embodiments, a pillow case 208 as described above may beintegrated with a stand-alone bed sheet, blanket, or the like.

Bed clothing such as the apparatus 200 that includes an integratedpillow case 208 may assist in training a small child to use a pillow.Securing a pillow to the apparatus 200 prevents the pillow from movingso that a child may easily use it, and provides safety by preventing achild from sleeping under the pillow. In the depicted embodiment, theapparatus 200 may be used in stages to absorb moisture and train a childto use a pillow. For example, in the depicted embodiment, the pillowcase 208 is shown integrated with the bed sheet of the first layer 202.In the first stage, the apparatus 200 may be disposed on the mattress sothat the blanket is above the bed sheet, so that the infant can sleepwarmly on the blanket, and so that the pillow case 208 is inaccessible.Placing the apparatus 200 with the blanket on top in the first stageprovides safety for children under 12 months old, who should not use thepillow or have access to the pillow case 208. In the second stage, whenit is safe for the child to use a pillow (as directed by a pediatrician,typically when the child is at least 12 to 24 months old and capable ofsitting up and rolling around), the apparatus 200 may be reversed sothat the bed sheet is above the blanket on the mattress and the pillowcase 208 is accessible. Then, a pillow may be disposed within theintegrated pillow case 208. In the second stage, the child may learn tosleep with the pillow while the pillow is safely secured in place. Inthe third stage, when the child has learned to sleep with the pillow,and when it is safe to do so, the pillow may be removed from theintegrated pillow case 208, and placed normally on the bed, in aseparate case.

In the depicted embodiment, the pillow case 208 includes an opening 210allowing a pillow to be introduced into or removed from the pillow case208. In one embodiment, the opening 210 is positioned on the apparatus200 so that using the apparatus 200 to cover a mattress disposes theopening 210 at an edge of the mattress. In another embodiment, theopening 210 is positioned on the apparatus 200 so that using theapparatus 200 to cover a mattress disposes the opening 210 at a sidesurface of the mattress. As used herein, a side surface refers to asurface of the mattress other than the top or bottom. So for example, inthe depicted embodiment, if the bed sheet of the first layer 202 is afitted sheet, the opening 210 for the integrated pillow case 208 may bepositioned at the back edge of the mattress, or may be positioned lower,along the back side surface of the mattress. Disposing the opening 210at an edge or side surface of the mattress keeps a sleeper frominadvertently catching a body part in the opening 210, and avoidsdiscomfort that might otherwise be caused if the opening 210 includesfasteners.

In various embodiments, the opening 210 may be closed to retain a pillowin the pillow case 208 in a variety of ways. In one embodiment, hook andloop fastener material (such as the hook and loop material distributedunder the VELCRO trademark) may be disposed along the opening 210 toretain the pillow when the hook and loop material is fastened. Inanother embodiment, a zipper may be disposed along the opening 210 toretain the pillow when the zipper is closed. In a certain embodiment,two overlapping layers of fabric may be disposed along the opening 210to retain the pillow when one layer is tucked underneath the otherlayer. In light of this disclosure, other methods or types of fastenerswill be clear which are suitable for closing the opening 210 to retain apillow.

The dimensions of the pillow case 208 and the opening 210 may beselected to accommodate a desired size of pillow. In one embodiment, theopening 210 may extend across the full length or width of the pillowcase 208 for easy insertion or removal of the pillow. For example, in acertain embodiment, the pillow case 208 may be 10 inches long, and 14inches wide, with a 14 inch opening 210 at the wide edge of the pillowcase 208. In another embodiment, the length of the opening 210 may beless than an interior dimension of the pillow case 208 in a directionparallel to the opening 210, so that the smaller opening 210 tends toretain a pillow fitting the larger interior dimension of the pillow case208, even if the opening 210 is open or unfastened. For example, in afurther embodiment, the opening 210 may extend across part of an edge ofthe pillow case 208, so the edge tends to retain the pillow in thepillow case 208 even when the opening 210 is open. As a further example,in a certain embodiment, the pillow case 208 may be 12 inches wide, butthe opening 210, along the width of the pillow case 208, may be 7inches. In light of this disclosure, various dimensions will be clearwhich are suitable for the pillow case 208 and the opening 210.

In one embodiment, an opening 210 that is shorter than the correspondinginterior dimension of the pillow case 208 may be used with a zipper,hook and loop fastener material, overlapping fabric layers, or the like,to reduce the length of the fastener or overlapping layers, thusreducing the cost to produce the apparatus 200. In another embodiment,an opening 210 that is shorter than the corresponding interior dimensionof the pillow case 208 may be sufficient to retain a pillow, allowingfasteners or overlapping fabric layers to be omitted from the apparatus200.

FIG. 3 depicts one embodiment of a method 300 for covering a mattress.The method 300 begins, and a user provides 302 a first layer 102, 202comprising a bed sheet. The user provides 304 a second layer 104comprising an absorbent pad disposed adjacent to the bed sheet. The userprovides 306 a third layer 106 comprising a blanket disposed adjacent tothe absorbent pad and coupled to the bed sheet. The user disposes 308the bed sheet, the absorbent pad, and the blanket on a mattress so thatthe blanket is above the bed sheet. As described above, the userreverses 310 the bed sheet, the absorbent pad, and the blanket on themattress so that the bed sheet is above the blanket, and the methodends.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms withoutdeparting from its spirit or essential characteristics. The describedembodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrativeand not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicatedby the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. Allchanges which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of theclaims are to be embraced within their scope.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus for covering a mattress, theapparatus comprising: a first layer comprising a bed sheet; a secondlayer comprising an absorbent pad disposed adjacent to the bed sheet;and a third layer comprising a blanket disposed adjacent to theabsorbent pad and coupled to the bed sheet.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1,wherein the absorbent pad comprises a moisture barrier.
 3. The apparatusof claim 1, further comprising a pillow case sized to receive a pillow,the pillow case integrated with one or more of the bed sheet and theblanket.
 4. The apparatus of claim 3, further comprising the pillowremovably disposed within the pillow case.
 5. The apparatus of claim 3,further comprising hook and loop fastener material for retaining thepillow within the pillow case, the hook and loop fastener materialdisposed along an opening for the pillow case.
 6. The apparatus of claim3, further comprising a zipper for retaining the pillow within thepillow case, the zipper disposed along an opening for the pillow case.7. The apparatus of claim 3, further comprising two overlapping layersof fabric for retaining the pillow within the pillow case, the twooverlapping layers of fabric disposed along an opening for the pillowcase.
 8. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein an opening for the pillowcase is positioned so that using the bed sheet, the absorbent pad, andthe blanket to cover a mattress disposes the opening at an edge of themattress.
 9. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein an opening for the pillowcase is positioned so that using the bed sheet, the absorbent pad, andthe blanket to cover a mattress disposes the opening at a side surfaceof the mattress.
 10. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein a length of anopening for the pillow case is less than an interior dimension of thepillow case in a direction parallel to the opening.
 11. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the bed sheet comprises a fitted sheet.
 12. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein the absorbent pad is coupled to the bedsheet and the blanket.
 13. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein theabsorbent pad is removably disposed between the bed sheet and theblanket.
 14. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein a thickness of theabsorbent pad is within a range from approximately two centimeters toapproximately six centimeters
 15. A system for covering a mattress, thesystem comprising: a first layer comprising a bed sheet; a second layercomprising an absorbent pad disposed adjacent to the bed sheet; a thirdlayer comprising a blanket disposed adjacent to the absorbent pad andcoupled to the bed sheet and the absorbent pad; a pillow case sized toreceive a pillow, the pillow case formed by sewing fabric to the bedsheet; and a zipper for retaining the pillow within the pillow case, thezipper disposed along an opening for the pillow case.
 16. The system ofclaim 15, wherein the absorbent pad comprises a moisture barrier. 17.The system of claim 15, wherein a length of the opening for the pillowcase is less than an interior dimension of the pillow case in adirection parallel to the opening.
 18. The system of claim 15, wherein athickness of the absorbent pad is within a range from approximately twocentimeters to approximately six centimeters.
 19. A method for coveringa mattress, the method comprising: providing a first layer comprising abed sheet; providing a second layer comprising an absorbent pad disposedadjacent to the bed sheet; providing a third layer comprising a blanketdisposed adjacent to the absorbent pad and coupled to the bed sheet;disposing the bed sheet, the absorbent pad, and the blanket on amattress so that the blanket is above the bed sheet; and reversing thebed sheet, the absorbent pad, and the blanket on the mattress so thatthe bed sheet is above the blanket.
 20. The method of claim 19, furthercomprising: disposing a pillow within a pillow case, the pillow caseintegrated with the bed sheet; and removing the pillow from the pillowcase.